E-Bike Burglary Suspects Under Arrest In Palm Desert

PALM DESERT, CA — A man and woman, both suspected of burglarizing a residence in Rancho Mirage and committing other related felony offenses, were in custody Friday.

Esther Montoya, 42, and Ruben Galindo, 42, both of Coachella, were arrested one week ago on suspicion of committing the crime.

In early June, Palm Desert Sheriff's Station deputies responded to the 40 block of Via Del Rosi shortly before noon regarding previous reports from the victim. The victim stated that on June 4, they captured video of a man entering the residence and stealing an electric bicycle, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.

After weeks of investigation, the department identified the two suspects.

Montoya was located last Friday at approximately 4:20 p.m. in the 51400 block of Ponderosa Drive in Coachella following the execution of a search warrant conducted by Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells Special Enforcement Team personnel, sheriff's officials said. She was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on suspicion of aiding and abetting during the commission of a crime and grand theft.

The second suspect, Galindo, was located Thursday at approximately 12:35 p.m. near Seventh Street and Orchard Avenue in Coachella with the assistance of Riverside Sheriff's K9 units, the Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells Special Enforcement Team personnel.

"When deputies attempted to contact Galindo, he fled on an unrelated electric bike and tried to discard a bag containing a loaded firearm and ammunition," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Galindo was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on suspicion of first-degree residential burglary, conspiracy, being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, obstruction, and multiple counts of committing a felony while out on bail.

Anyone with additional information on the burglary was urged to call Palm Desert Sheriff's Station Deputy Paull at 760-836-1600.